USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Biographical annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and of many of the early settled families > Part 39
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Mr. Hosler has taken considerable in- terest in politics as a Republican, and repre- sents the First ward in the council, although that ward is strongly Democratic: he carried it by a majority of 132. Frater- nally he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, and St. John Chapter; of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 91 : of the K. of P., No. 56; of the I.
O. R. M., Letort Lodge; of the Royal Ar- canum, and the Fraternal Mystic Circle.
In 1883 Mr. Hosler was married to Miss Lizzie Gutshall, a daughter of Jacob Gut- shall, of Cumberland county, and four chil- dren have been born to them: Edith, Edna, Harold, and Norman, deceased. They are all members of the Reformed Church, in the work of which they take an active part. and their pleasant home is at No. 535 North Bedford street, where they welcome their many friends.
ALBERT W. SIPE. The Sipe Family is one of the oldest in Cumberland county. Pa., its representatives having lived here for over a century. The grandfather of A. W. Sipe, Peter Sipe, was born in 1771 at Lancaster, Pa., came to this county with his parents when a lad, and located with them near Mt. Holly Springs. Peter Sipe was a farmer, and a carpenter by trade. He and his wife Mary were Dunkards in re- ligious faith. He died of old age when he was ninety-one, and his wife was about eighty-six, when she passed away ; they were buried in the burying-ground of Baker's Church. The following children were born to them: Sarah. born in 1816, married William Kinard, of Cumberland county, and both are buried at Mechanicsburg: Eliza- beth, born in 1806, married Levi Howe, of Cumberland county, and both are buried at Moler's Church; Mary, born in 1815, mar- ried Jacob Shaffer, and died at York Springs, Adams Co., Pa .; Susannah, born in 1807. married Jacob Steinhaur, and they are buried at Mechanicsburg. in Chestnut Hill ceme- tery; John, born in 1809, went to Illinois and lived to advanced age upon a farm near Monmouth ; Daniel was a farmer in Adams county, where he died in early life; Samuel, born in 1813. was a tanner, and died in
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Carlisle: David, was the father of Albert W. Sipe.
David Sipe. born in 1818, was reared upon a farm, and he received a very limited education, only attending school two terms. When he was a young man he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. which he followed until he retired. a few years prior to his death. In conjunction with his business in this line, which was a large one, employment being given to fifteen to twenty men. Mr. Sipe conducted an undertaking business, and for some years carried on a carpet and wall- paper establishment. He also dealt largely in real estate, and to-day there are a number of substantial houses standing in Carlisle which he erected. In all of his ventures he was eminently successful. Not only was he an excellent business man, but he managed the affairs of the town intrusted to him in the same successful manner. It was he who advocated and carried through the proposi- tion to put in brick walks in Carlisle, and many other equally important improvements owed their conception and fulfillment to him. In religion he was a consistent Lutheran and for years was a member of the advisory board. Generous and char- itable to a fault, he not only gave liberally. but reared in his own home several destitute children.
David Sipe married Ann Catherine Weibly, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth ( Bowers) Weibly, and she survived until May, 1888, Mr. Sipe dying in December, 1883. Five children were born to them: Mary, who died in childhood : Robert, a cabi- net-maker of Carlisle; Albert W .; Charles H., a conductor on the Cumberland Valley railroad ; and William, who died in child- hora.
Albert W. Sipe was born July 2, 1852, and was e lucated in the public schools of
Carlisle. When he was fourteen he began to earn his living at farm work, and at seventeen he began to learn the carpenter trade with Samuel and Ephraim Wetzel, serving an apprenticeship of three years. Six months thereafter he began working with his father; and for five years was engaged in cabinet-making. after which he went back to the carpenter's trade. Until 1901 he was one of the successful carpenters of Carlisle. but since then he has lived retired. He has also dealt largely in real estate, and is one of the solid, substantial men of the county. Fraternally he is a member of the 1. O. O. F., Carlisle Lodge. No. 91, and Encamp- ment. No. 256, and is very popular in the order.
In 1876 Mr. Sipe was married to Miss Harriet Brenneman. a daughter of Isaac and Mary Brenneman, and one child has been born to them, Harry B., who resides in Carlisle. This young man was married to Miss Leo Myers, a most charming lady of Carlisle. He is a tailor, conveniently located on West Main street. The members of the family are all connected with the Lutheran Church, and uphold the customs of the fam- ily in taking an active part in its good work. Albert W. Sipe is justly numbered as one of the leading men of the community. In poli- tics, like his father, he is a Democrat ; the father was formerly a Whig. The Sipe fan- ily is one which stands well in Cumberland county, and its representatives have been men of good business ability. integrity of purpose and possessed of marked aptitude in some direction or other.
JOHN A. HILDEBRANDT. one of the leading residents of Carlisle. Cumberland Co., Pa., was born in that city July 24, 1866, a son of Henry and Elmira ( Adams ) Hilde- brandt.
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The father was born in Hesse-Darm- stadt, Germany. Aug. 9, 1835, and when a lad of eighteen years came to America and located in New York City, where for three years he worked in a confectionery store. In 1858 he enlisted in the United States regular army, in which he continued until 1868. being a musician in the cavalry de- partment. His term of service included the entire period of the Civil war. After his discharge he located in Carlisle and engaged in a grocery business on East Main street for ten years. He then purchased a lot on the northeast corner of Bedford and North streets, and there he erected a busi- ness block and residence combined and continued his grocery establishment un- til 1886, when he was succeeded by his son John A. and retired. During a long and useful life he had amassed considerable property through his own efforts. Like so many of his countrymen he was a fine musician, and from earliest childhood was carefuly trained in music. He passed away Aug. 23, 1895, a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, who was born in Perry county, Pa., Oct. 15, 1847. still survives. \ family of five children was born to them: John A., our subject; Mary, unmarried, who is at home; Harry, unmarried, at home, and two deceased.
John A. Hildebrandt was reared in Car- lisle and educated in the public schools, and when he was fourteen years of age began to learn the carpenter's trade, continuing to work at same for five years. When only nineteen years of age he succeeded his father and for nine years carried on the business successfully, retiring at the end of that time. He is one of the broad-gauged, public-spirited men of the city, and wields considerable influence among his fellow citi- zens. In addition to other interests he owns
seven excellent properties in Carlisle, and has a life interest in thirteen others. After retiring from his grocery business Mr. Hildebrandt embarked in a poultry enter- prise which has been very successful, es- tablishing the Carlisle Poultry Farm. lo- cated two and one-half miles northeast of the city. This farm contains 110 acres of land well adapted for the purpose. In politics Mr. Hildebrandt is a Democrat, and he represents the First ward in the city conn- cil, having been very active in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of G. E., No. 110; I. O. O. F., No. 91, and Royal Arcanum. No. 502.
On Sept. 18, 1890. Mr. Hildebrandt was married to Miss Elizabeth Jane McFeaters. daughter of P. W. and Rosa ( Reeder) Mc- Featers, who was born in Juniata county, Pa .. May 16. 1869. and two children have been born of this union. Harry W. and John R. The family reside in a beautiful home at No. 207 North Bedford street. They are consistent members of the First Lutheran Church of the city.
EDWARD J. WEIDMAN, one of the successful business men of Carlisle, Cum- berland Co., Pa., is a native of that town, born July 6, 1858, and is a son of Louis and Catherine ( Barrack ) Weidman, both of whom are now deceased.
The father was born March 25, 1827, in Hessen-Darmstadt. Germany where he grew to manhood and adopted the calling of an engineer, to which he gave his life. After coming to America, in 1857, before his marriage, he located in Carlisle on account of having friends here, finding employment in the foundry on East Main street where he remained for forty-two years. At first he was in the blacksmith shop, but after- ward took charge of the engine room, and,
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being a mechanical genius, especially in the line of wood work, his spare time was spent in making furniture, and the turning of balusters and articles of a similar nature. His son Edward J. has several pieces of furniture made by his father which he prizes very highly.
Louis Weidman married Catherine Bar- rack, who was born on a farm three and one-half miles east of Carlisle, daughter of Henry and Catherine Barrack, and died in May. 1897. They had five children: Ed- ward J. : Charles S., a resident of Jeannette. Pa .. a glass packer: Katie, who married Edward Rensler of Carlisle; Louis, de- ceased in infancy; and Carrie, who died at the age of three years. The father was a member of the Lutheran Church, while the mother belonged to the Albright Church.
Edward J. Weidman was born and reared in Carlisle and attended the public schools until he was fourteen, when he be- gan to learn the trade of barber in Pitts- burg with his uncle. On Nov. 25, 1875. he started in business on East Main street, opposite the county jail, and has since con- tinued in this line in Carlisle. He has al- ways taken a deep interest in public affairs, especially in educational matters, and when, in February, 1900, he was elected to the city council, the people felt that the right man was in the place, and so satisfied were they with his work that they returned him in 1903. During his term of office he has held the important position of chairman of the Finance committee, and has also served upon several of the other leading committees. Mr. Weidman is a stanch Democrat, but has many warm friends in the ranks of both parties, and he is representing the Second ward in the city council.
On Sept. 8, 188r, Mr. Weidman was married to Miss Lulu M. Groam, daughter
of Thomas and Rachel ( Eply) Groam, who are now of Carlisle, but formerly were of York county. Mr. and Mrs. Weidman have two children : Rachel G. (a pupil in the high school) and Louis E. They all reside at No. 76 East Pomfret street, where he owns six very valuable houses which he erected. Mr. Weidman owns some very desirable resi- clence and business property, and is justly regarded as one of Carlisle's substantial and highly respected residents.
LUTHER B. HALBERT, proprietor of the cigar store and billiard and pool rooms at No. 29 Main street, Carlisle, has been es- tablished in that business since 1898. He is a native of Carlisle, born March 20, 1869, son of Charles and Catherine ( Beetum) Halbert. and grandson of Joseph Halbert. Both his parents were natives of Cumber- land county, the father having been born in Carlisle, and the mother near Centerville. The father died in 1872, a young man, as he was only born in 1845. During his busi- ness life he was a furniture dealer and was quite successful. He was a prominent mem- ber of the First Presbyterian Church and for years leader of the choir. His family consisted of three children, namely : Fannie E., wife of Calvin Neilson, of Washington, D. C .; Luther B .; and Charles, a grocer and butcher of West street. The mother, who is still living, is a daughter of John Beetum.
Luther B. Halbert was reared in Carlisle and received his education in the public schools. He learned the printer's trade, which he later followed for fourteen years in Carlisle and elsewhere. However, in 1898 he embarked in his present business which he has continued very successfully ever since. In September, 1904, he built a bowling alley in the rear of his establish- ment, with dotible alleys. He is a member
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of the A. F. & A. M., belonging to Cumber- land Star Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, No. 56, and of the B. P. O. E .. No. 578.
In 1900 Mr. Halbert was married to Miss M. Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Richard and Martha Jones, and their pleasant home is located at No. 12 West Main street, where the friends of the family are warmly wel- comed. They are all consistent members of the First Presbyterian Church.
PHILIP L. GEBHARD. the proficient barber at No. 7 Market House avenue, Car- lisle, is a native of this place, born Aug. 10. 1866. His parents, Jacob and Annie ( Smith) Gebhard, were both born in Ger- many, and the mother is still living in Car- lisle. She came to this country when a young girl. The father died in May, 1867. He was reared in Germany, and on coming to America located in Chambersburg, where he was engaged in brewing ale. Later he came to Carlisle and operated his own plant on the corner of Pomfret and East street, following the brewing of ale until his death. He was successful, and died very well off. the owner of valuable property. Politically he was a Democrat. Fraternally he was a Mason and a member of the Odd Fellows (lodge and encampment), and al- ways took an active part in the latter order. At his death he left a family of five children : Amanda (deceased) married John A. Floyd, of Carlisle; George H. is a steam- fitter of Carlisle; Margaret married James M. Bixler, of Carlisle: William B., at Har- risburg, is employed in the Pennsylvania railroad shops; Philip L. is the subject proper of these lines.
Until he was thirteen years of age Philip L. Gebhard attended the public schools in his native town, and then he began to earn his living by working in a brickyard. He
was next employed in learning the trade of a machinist, and thus continued for two years. The energetic young man then learned the trade of barber with Jacob Spath, of Carlisle, beginning in 1880. By 1892 he was sufficiently known politically to be given a position as private messenger to the clerk of the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C., and served in that position for four years. After his return to Carlisle he opened the shop where he may be found to-day, and it is generally recog- nized that he has the best equipped shaving parlors in Carlisle.
Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Gebhard has been active along political lines, being a strong Democratic worker, although not an office-seeker. Fraternally he is very well known, belonging to Cumberland Star Lodge, No. 197, A. F. & A. M. : the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 91; and the K. of P. Lodge, No. 56, Carlisle, having passed all the chairs in the latter order.
On December 21, 1887, Mr. Gebhard was married to Miss Ida Elmer, daugh- ter of William Elmer, of Carlisle, and one child has been born to them, Vena. The family affiliates with St. Paul Lutheran Church. Their pleas- ant home is located at No. 55 South East street, which Mr. Gebhard erected in 1887. Since January, 1902, Mr. Gebhard has been serving as treasurer of the county almshouse, and as usual acquitting himself creditably. He has an unusually large num- ber of warm personal friends by whom he is highly esteemed, as he is by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
CHARLES H. SIPE, one of the pros- perous business men of Carlisle, Pa., was born Aug. 14, 1859, in the house he now occupies. His education was obtained in
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the local schools of Carlisle, and while still a young man he succeeded to his father's large carpet and wall-paper business, carry- ing it on for several years, until failing health compelled him to seek a warmer cli- mate. For three years he lived in Florida. Returning to Carlisle. he engaged in the confectionery business for three years, and then entered the employ of the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company as conductor.
In January, 1884. Mr. Sipe was mar- ried to Miss Ella F., daughter of W. B. and Martha McCommon, and one child has been born to this union, Anna Catherine. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sipe are members of the Lutheran Church, in the work of which they take an active part. They both have many friends throughout the city and are deservedly popular.
WILLIAM T. S: JAMISON. When the sad news of the death of William T. S. Jamison was received. April 14, 1894, every citizen of the town felt a sense of personal loss. The entire Cumberland Valley lost a familiar figure in the commercial world, and those who knew him best were bereft of a firm friend and wise counselor. He was a courteous, considerate gentleman, generous and charitable to all. In his business he was aggressive and enterprising, yet strictly honest in his methods. His word was as good as his bond, and his honor was un- tarnished. Mr. Jamison was born in Indian- apolis. Ind., July 3, 1843, son of John and Mary Jane ( Snodgrass) Jamison.
John Jamison was one of the twelve men who located on and cleared the land where now stands Indianapolis. Ind., and he felled the first tree. He owned seven and one-half acres, where the Blind Asylum is now located. In 1841 he married Mary Jane Snodgrass, who was born in Chambers-
burg Dec. 6, 1815. daughter of William T. and Jane ( Morrow) Snodgrass. He died in 1843. before the birth of their only child. William T. S., and the widowed young mother returned to her father's home in Shippensburg.
William T. S. Jamison was only a few months old when his mother brought him to Shippensburg, which was his home for the rest of his life. His school days past, he at once began to learn the rudiments of mer- cantile business as a clerk for J. & J. B. Reddig. From his mother he inherited a natural talent for business, and in a very short time had mastered the general methods of business transactions. During the Civil war he was a clerk in the office of the provost marshal at Harrisburg, and for a short time clerked in a dry-goods store in the same city. His time had so far been spent in preparation for the career he had determined upon. His earnings had been saved, and in 1867 he opened up a dry-goods store for himself. in the old Rankin property in Ship- pensburg, now occupied by Coffey Bros. This was succeeded by a room fitted up in his own home, a few doors east. Business came to him rapidly, and soon he found him- self cramped for room. In 1884 he pur- chased the Criswell property, on the south- cast corner of Main and Railroad streets, and erected the present handsome and com- modious building, whither his stock was re- moved the same year. Jamison's Bazaar be- came a household word to people in the Cumberland Valley. Mr. Jamison was es- sentially a merchant. He left nothing hon- orable undone to increase and extend his business, and he was a liberal advertiser, always, however, advertising his wares as they really were. . He never permitted his clerks to misrepresent any thing. Courtesy to patrons and honest representation were
Mys Jamison
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two of his fixed rules. His place in the es- timation of business rivals and associates was shown in the closing of all places of busi- ness in the city during his funeral. When the time came to pay the last tribute of respect to William T. S. Jamison a large con- course of friends assembled. Rev. W. A. MeCarrell, of the Presbyterian Church. as- sisted by other ministers of the borough, spoke words of comfort to the sorrowing widow and the many friends, and amid a wealth of flowers the mortal remains of the beloved husband, successful merchant. up- right citizen and noble Christian gentleman were laid to rest in Spring Hill cemetery.
On Jan. 23. 1883, by Rev. J. M. Carvell. Mr. Jamison was married to Emily J. Daley. of Shippensburg, who survives him. Rev. R. L. Jamison of the Methodist Church of Kidder, Mo., a half brother, survived him for one year. In his religious belief Mr. Jamison was a consistent Presbyterian. Fra- ternally he was a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
MRS. MARY JANE (SNODGRASS ) JAMI- SON entered into rest at midnight. Aug. 23. 1898, in the eighty-third year of her age. Thus passed another familiar figure from the busy daily life of Shippensburg. Mrs. Jami- son was born in Chambersburg, Dec. 6, 1815. a daughter of William T. and Jane (Mor- row) Snodgrass, worthy pioneers of Scotch- Irish descent, who were married Dec. 20. 1809. by Rev. Dr. John Moodey. She was but a few weeks old when her parents re- moved to Shippensburg, where her father conducted a mercantile business, and was prominent in the welfare and advancement of the Presbyterian Church. In 1841 she married John Jamison, of Indianapolis, Ind .. where they resided until Mr. Jamison's death, which occurred in. 1843. when she re-
turned to Shippensburg with her infant son, William T. S.
Mrs. Jamison was a woman of remark- able business ability, and was one of the first, if not the first, ladies to become a sales- woman, as she entered her father's store in early life. subsequently her brother's, and finally her son's. The latter became one of the leading merchants in the Cumberland Valley, and with him she remained until his death, when she retired. Her pleasant, hearty welcome was sadly missed by the shoppers, and when death came they spoke feelingly of her efforts in their behalf. of her kindly guidance and counsel, which helped to mold their lives in safer and surer ways. Her last years were made pleasant through the loving care of her daughter-in- law, Mrs. Emily J. Jamison, who was most devoted to her. Her brother, Robert Snod- grass, of Philadelphia, is the only surviving member of the family.
. In early life Mrs. Jamison united with the Presbyterian Church, and was always faithful in the discharge of her Christian duties. She was very charitable, her great womanly heart sympathizing with every cry of distress. Her remains rest in Spring Hill cemetery.
HENRY GARDNER, one of the well known and much esteemed residents of the city of Carlisle, comes of one of the old and honorable early families of York county, where he was born Aug. 26, 1827, a son of Martin and Mary (Thomas) Gardner.
Martin Gardner, his grandfather, prob- ably came from Germany, but he certainly was a very early settler in York county. and owned farming land in the lower part. His son Martin was one of several children, and was born about 1775 in York county,
18
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dying in 1837 in the city of York. He was a man of prominence in his community, and for eight years prior to his death had been steward at the York county almshouse. For many years he conducted a farm situated between York and Wrightsville. Mr. Gardner was noted for the commendable spirit he displayed in all public enterprises and he was active in his promotion of all movements looking to the improving of the public highways and the furthering of re- ligious and educational matters. He mar- riel Mary Thomas, and they had a family of eight children born to them, as follows: Franklin (deceased) was a manufacturer at Carlisle: Israel. who was a blacksmith, diel at Carlisle: Martin died at Altoona, where he worked as a molder in a foundry ; Henry is mentioned below ; Albert is a ma- chirist Hving at Altoona : Lucy ( deceased) was the wife of Danford Edmonds; two diedl in childhood.
Henry Gardner was a lad in his teens when the family removed from York to Cumberland county and he was educated in the schools at Carlisle. When he was eigh- teen years old he entered a foundry at Car- lisle and remained there until he had learned the trade of molder, to which occupation he gave some fifty years of his life. During this time he was connected with various large shops and accumulated a competency. Since 1899 he has lived retired from activ- ity. in the enjoyment of the ease won by past industry.
On July 12, 1849, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Miss Leah Kreider, who was born Oct. 7, 1827, in Warwick township, Lancaster Co., Pa., and died Feb. 4. 1901. She was a daughter of Benjamin and Elnora ( McCoim) Kreider, of Lititz, Pa., the former of whom was appointed prototary of Lancaster county by Gov.
.
Wolf; he and his wife were interred in the old Moravian graveyard at Lititz. Mrs. Gardner was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, with which her husband is also connected. A family of ten children was born to them, as follows: Wilhelmina. who resides in Philadelphia, is the widow of Franklin Hutter, who died at Harris- burg April 7, 1879, and whom she married May 14, 1872; Mary was married July 14, 1874. to Robert McIvor, of Carlisle, who died Sept. 23, 1876; Benjamin, a resident of Harrisburg, married Emma Longsdorf Feb. 20, 1883: Harry is mentioned later ; Catherine died March 13, 1863 unmarried; James Monroe died July 14, 1856; Ella N. was married March 20, 1897, to William Wooster, of Harrisburg, who was a casket maker, and died Feb. 7. 1901, his widow now residing with her father : Anna M. died Ang. 13, 1864: George, who is a book- keeper for a New York business firm, on April 25, 1899, married America Glanville, and they reside at East Orange, N. J. ; Rena is a saleslady in the Bowman mercantile es- tablishment at Carlisle.
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